Scale model (1:30) of a single telescope from the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS)

Image number: 2009-0060_0001

Namibia’s HESS observatory studies some of the most violent events in the universe, including exploding stars and supermassive black holes. Its four identical telescopes detect high-energy cosmic gamma rays produced by these objects. Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light known.

This model is one-thirtieth life size. Each of the four telescope dishes is actually 12 metres wide – 1½ times the length of this showcase.